Apparently, it is shovel ready, but, not for the bridges that actually need repair (why does “shovel ready” bring a farm like conotation to mind?)
Tens of thousands of unsafe or decaying bridges carrying 100 million drivers a day must wait for repairs because states are spending stimulus money on spans that are already in good shape or on easier projects like repaving roads, an Associated Press analysis shows. (snip)
States, however, have other plans. Of the 2,476 bridges scheduled to receive stimulus money so far, nearly half have passed inspections with high marks, according to federal data. Those 1,123 sound bridges received such high inspection ratings that they normally would not qualify for federal bridge money, yet they will share in more than $1.2 billion in stimulus money. (snip)
Repaving or widening roads requires less planning and can be done quickly, which is why such projects account for 70 percent of the $17 billion in transportation stimulus money approved so far. Bridge projects represent 12 percent.
The spending decisions by states are OK with the Obama administration.
Much like the economy itself, the things that need repairing are being ignored. Raleigh has a bridge that spans Hillsborough St. that is considered “structurally deficient,” primarily because it carries way more traffic than was ever intended. Is it being upgraded? No. Raleigh recieved $6 million in order to pave a section of the 440 beltline, and fix several interchanges. The section of 440, roughly between New Bern Ave (yes, I know most folks will say “where?”) and Ridge Rd. have absolutely no need for repair. Very good shape. And repairing the interchanges will mean even more massive traffic backups during peak times. Good plan!
Most incompetent administration ever. But, don’t forget
We won’t do it the old Washington way. We won’t just throw money at the problem. We’ll measure progress by the reforms we make and the results we achieve — by the jobs we create, by the energy we save, by whether America is more competitive in the world.
Just words.
Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU
So let’s see Bush had 8 years to do the repairs and now Obama has been POTUS AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED ??? Teach better invest in a calendar
The stimulus plan was signed less than 6 months ago. Maybe you should get in touch with your state government to see what the hold up is, unless you thoughtbthat Obama himself was going to do all of the repairs himself
Can you believe it?… I slept in until 8:30 this morning and I missed my clunker stimulus check.
Nickie don’t worry there is twice as much money for clunker owners coming soon ! Oh and Teach the Syimulus money ??? some think that it is already helping out look at todays USA Today. North Carolina ??? well they do seem to be having a problem, better write your Gov and see what their holdup is.